Welcome to the City’s annual report highlighting the accomplishments that continue to propel Harper Woods forward. We are proud of the progress and achievements that have shaped our City’s evolution. Significant investments have been made in the following areas:
POCKET PARK – Enhancing green space is an excellent opportunity for the community to connect nature with art. Improvements like these promote health, wellness, and quiet recreation. Visitors can gather, get to know one another, and thrive. Roscommon Pocket Park will be completed by late fall. Come check it out!
FRASER SQUARE (Former Poupard Elementary School) – Providing new housing opportunities in a fully developed community can be challenging. Availability and affordability are further added to this challenge. The City has been spearheading the transformation of vacant school buildings and other underutilized properties into sustainable affordable housing. Please look at the progress so far at the intersection of Van Antwerp Street and the Harper Service Drive. Contact City Hall if you are interested.
MASTER PLAN ADOPTION – The City has adopted a new Master Plan in 2025. A Master Plan is a community policy document that guides land use, infrastructure, and decision making to enhance residents’ quality of life. It uses data like demographics, housing, natural features, existing and new parks, transportation, and economic developments to identify improvements, particularly through zoning updates.
ENSURING SAFE AND FAIR ELECTIONS – In 2024 and throughout 2025, the City Clerk’s Office rose to the challenge of administering elections that ensure every eligible resident had the opportunity to make their voice heard. This included a rigorous review of absentee voting with the new permanent ballot list implementation, and deployment of more election workers with the launch of early voting. Through these efforts, along with close cooperation with local, state, and federal partners, our office has once again maintained its integrity.
PUBLIC SAFETY – The Harper Woods Police and Fire Departments remain dedicated to ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of our community. Guided by a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and service, our Police Officers and Fire fighters strive to protect residents, visitors, and businesses. Whether it’s emergency response, fire prevention, medical emergencies, or innovative crime prevention strategies, our quick response team delivers!
FUN FAMILY/HEALTHY ACTIVITIES – Our residents joined us this summer for Free Family Movie Nights, our first ever Summer Concert Series, and some free healthy recreational activities like water, chair, and live Zumba classes. Thank you to everyone who joined and participated!
Please help us continue the City’s excellence!!
John Szymanski
City Manager – Harper Woods
